Parking wardens in Folkestone and Hythe district issue almost 140 fines on day of air show

Almost 140 motorists were handed fines on the day of the Folkestone and Hythe RAF 100 air show, it has been announced.

The figure is approximately double the amount of parking tickets usually issued on a Sunday, according to Folkestone and Hythe District council (FHDC).

They took to their Facebook page last week to remind visitors to abide by the rules, after council wardens slapped 138 notices on cars across the whole district on Sunday, July 22.

The Red Arrows display team over The Leas, folkestone, Sunday 22nd July, during the Folkestone air show. Picture: Barry Goodwin (3213533)

It said: "While tourists are welcome, and often provide a huge boost to local businesses, we’re very aware that a minority cause problems for our residents by parking selfishly or even illegally...

"Our message is clear: Come and enjoy everything we have to offer, but park safely and legally or you will be fined."

Crowd levels were high in Folkestone on Saturday 21 and Sunday, July 22 when thousands of people descended on the town to enjoy displays by the likes of the Red Arrows and the Hurricane, as well as events such as the annual sandcastle competition.

Princes Parade in Hythe (2469768)

A breakdown of the fines showed that 50 of the 138 fines were issued to people parked on yellow lines across the district.

The second most common violation was not having a valid pay and display ticket, which made up more than 15% of cases, followed by drivers parking longer than they were permitted, with 15 offenders.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "We would issue around 70 on a normal Sunday. This number obviously reflects the huge increase in numbers of cars and resulting parking infringements.

"The majority of Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) were for parking on double yellow lines.

"Yellow lines are put there for a reason; often this is to stop cars parking at junctions, where sight-lines are reduced and where parking could cause an obstruction to other road uses.

"Good road sense and awareness of others should make reasons for not parking there obvious."

Parking on yellow lines was the most common offence

They also confirmed they exploring the viability of parking permits for badly affected roads in the town and additional enforcement staff over the summer months: "Residents in some of the areas affected have asked for application forms for controlled parking.

"Once we receive the completed application forms, we will assess with other applications at the end of this year, and prioritise two schemes for next financial year.

"We now have extra two staff on weekends. This would increase to about nine if there were special events like the Red Arrows."